Dictionary

ro•mance

—n.1. a novel or other prose narrative depicting heroic or marvelous deeds, pageantry, romantic exploits, etc., usually in a historical or imaginary setting.
2. the colorful world, life, or conditions depicted in such tales.
3. a medieval narrative, originally one in verse and in some Romance dialect, treating of heroic, fantastic, or supernatural events, often in the form of allegory.
4. a baseless, made-up story, usually full of exaggeration or fanciful invention.
5. a romantic spirit, sentiment, emotion, or desire.
6. romantic character or quality.
7. a romantic affair or experience; a love affair.
8. (cap.) Also,Romanic.Also called Romance languages. the group of Italic Indo-European languages descended sincea.d.800 from Latin, as French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Rumanian, Provençal, Catalan, Rhaeto-Romanic, Sardinian, and Ladino. Abbr.: Rom.

—v.i.1. to invent or relate romances; indulge in fanciful or extravagant stories or daydreams.
2. to think or talk romantically.

—v.t.Informal.a. to court or woo romantically; treat with ardor or chivalrousness: He's currently romancing a very attractive widow.b. to court the favor of or make overtures to; play up to: They need to romance the local business community if they expect to do business here.